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Stop being too picky about relationship

There's no harm in being a little picky when it comes to dating or forging a relationship. You are well within your rights to have high standards while choosing a mate. It's fine if you go through your potential match's academic, professional and tax records with a fine toothcomb. It also makes sense if you'd like your prospective boyfriend to be a highly driven, career-oriented individual, just as you are. But sometimes being too picky can work against you. By choosing to be selective, you might end up judging a person by a very narrow set of values. So here's how you can open up a little and relax your standards a bit:

Keep an open mind: Flexibility is the name of the game. When you're meeting a person for the first time, don't go for an inquisition - for instance, asking pointed questions about work and net worth only. Keep the conversation easy and free-flowing. You might discover something completely likeable in your prospective partner - some quality which you haven't accounted for in your wishlist.

Prioritise: Do jot down the points to remember or make a wishlist with regard to the specific qualities you are looking for in a partner. But prioritise - distinguish between things that are absolutely non-negotiable and things that can call for a compromise. Be ready to add or subtract from the list.

Deal with your fears: Ask yourself, what has made you so choosy in the first place? Are you afraid of rejection? Or are there other fears lurking in your mind that hinder you from opening up? Answers to these can go a long way in finding the right partner for you.

Too similar, too boring: If your prospective date and you are like two peas in a pod, won't that lead to boredom and friction in the long run? You might like to have similar likes and dislikes, but some dissimilarities can be welcome as well. The idea is to complement each other, after all.

Peer review: Discuss with your friends and family from time to time whether you are setting exacting standards when it comes to dating. They can help you make a clear self-assessment and point out exactly where you can be going wrong.